This Sunday, 5th October, is Grandparents’ Day in the United Kingdom.
As a grandfather to four grandchildren, let me tell you: being a grandparent is like being promoted without doing any more work. You get the hugs without the homework, the giggles without the guilt trips, the cuddles without the curfews. It’s all the joy, none of the junk mail.
Grandchildren redecorate our homes in ways we never imagined – jammy fingerprints on the fridge, Lego landmines on the carpet, mysterious sticky patches on the sofa. And the best part? When they’re overtired, over-sugared or over-loud, you hand them back and say, ‘Here’s your child, now rechargeable only at your house!’
The Bible on Grandparents
The Bible doesn’t call grandchildren a nuisance; it calls them a crown (Proverbs 17:6). Not a crown of thorns but a crown of delight. They are our living legacy, shining brighter than silver or gold.
And remember Timothy? Paul said his faith first lived in his grandmother Lois (2 Timothy 1:5). She didn’t just pass down recipes, she passed down faith. That’s what Christian grandparents do best: hand the baton of faith to the next generation.
Grandparent Wisdom
- Pray daily. Your grandchildren may scroll past your texts, but heaven never scrolls past your prayers.
- Tell stories. Especially the ones where you got it wrong and God put it right; children love honesty more than heroics.
- Laugh loudly. Let your home echo with joy; laughter is glue for the soul.
- Model faith. They may not read the Bible yet, but they’ll read you. Be their living translation.
- Cheer the parents. Don’t compete; complete. Be the encourager-in-chief. (And slip the grandchildren a fiver when no one’s looking!)
- Keep perspective. You’re not just babysitters, you’re baton-passers in God’s great relay of faith.
A Grandparent’s Prayer
Lord, thank you for the gift of grandchildren – these noisy, sticky-fingered bundles of blessing.
Grant us humour when they exhaust us, patience when they confuse us, and wisdom when they ask questions like, ‘Bapou’ (the Greek word for grandfather), ‘is there Wi-Fi in heaven?’
Help us to pass on not only stories and sweets but a living, lasting faith.
May our legacy be laughter, love, and lives that point the next generation to Jesus. Amen.
Grace and peace,
J.John
